CITY OF HIGHLAND HEIGHTS
MINUTES OF A COUNCIL MEETING
HELD: JUNE 22, 2010
President of Council Mills presiding.
PRESENT: Councilmen Hargate, Legan, Lombardo, Mastrangelo, Mills, Murphy, Stickan; Clerk of Council Buchak; Recreation Director David Ianiro; Fire Chief Turner; Police Chief Cook; Service Director Evans; Building Commissioner Grabfelder; City Engineer Hovancsek; Finance Director Ianiro; Law Director Paluf.
ABSENT: Mayor Coleman, excused.
ACTION ON MINUTES: The reading of the Minutes of a Council Meeting held June 8, 2010, 2010 was dispensed with. Miss Stickan moved to accept the Minutes as written; seconded by Mr. Lombardo. Ayes all; motion carried.
The reading of the Minutes of a Special Meeting held June 15, 2010 was dispensed with. Miss Stickan moved to accept the Minutes as written; seconded by Mr. Legan. Ayes all; motion carried.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS:
Recreation Director’s Report: Recreation Director David Ianiro distributed copies of the Summer Program Registration Report, dated June 22, 2010 and the Highland Heights Day Camp Newsletter (HHDC), Week 1. Mr. Ianiro reported all programs are in full swing. Baseball regular season is finishing up and play offs will be starting in the beginning of July. Swimming lessons are started. The registration numbers are down from 2009 but there will be additional registrations for the second session and walk-ins at the pool.
Mr. Ianiro reported they are concentrating on four items. Funbrellas are up at the pool; they now have a total of 4. The Recreation Commission is looking to add another canopy to finish off what they believe would be good shading for the pool. They are waiting on the installation of tennis shading and currently have portable shading there. Also they have done electrical work in one of the pavilions.
Mr. Ianiro reported Service Director Thom Evans has been a big help this summer at the park. His department has been looking at the electrical problems in the park. Some things are outdated and not to code. Mr. Evans is making a decision on whether the electrical can be fixed in-house or out-of-house. Pavilion rentals are happening every weekend with birthday parties, family reunions, and graduation parties. On the weekend of June 26th and 27th there are going to be charity baseball tournaments. 50 or 60 teams will be here, coming from Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania. They will be using our fields and our concessions. They will bring a drag car in so kids can take pictures with them. Len Barker known for his perfect game will be there to give a pitching clinic. People on the Park Commission were excited that we are bringing all these people into our beautiful park. That day there will also be a swim meet against Mentor.
Regarding the crack in the pool, Mr. Ianiro reported they are taking every step they can to find out where leak is. The pool right now is maintaining a lot of water because the Service Department’s crew is filtering the leaking water back into the pool. This has been approved by the Health Department. On Thursday they are bringing in scuba divers to check to see if the caulking is OK. When that report is received, he will meet with the Recreation Commission and the Mayor to see what the next step is.
Mrs. Murphy advised a resident asked if tennis courts are available to play because apparently she was encountering a lot of instructional use when she was at the park. Mr. Ianiro reported in the afternoon only 4 of the 8 courts are used for lessons, in the evening at least 6 to 8 of the courts are available and in the morning before 9 a.m., MARC is only using 4 of the 8 courts.
Mrs. Murphy asked about a mound of wood chips in the park. Mr. Evans reported the wood chips were generated by the chipping program and they will be hauled out for recycling.
Mr. Mastrangelo advised the recreation program is doing a great job with the children. He suggested they look at providing recreation for the whole community and mentioned seniors.
Mr. Ianiro was excused from the meeting.
Fire Chief's Report: Chief Turner reported as follows:
· The hydrant painting program for this year is complete. Each year they try to paint approximately 1/3 of the hydrants in the city. There are roughly 750 hydrants. They finished early this year so they are touching up some of the weathered hydrants on the main streets.
· Regarding Item No. 6, purchase of protective gear, Chief Turner requested Council’s support on that purchase this evening. The pricing they were able to get through state purchasing is valid until July 1st.
Police Chief's Report: Chief Cook reported he was going to request a Safety & Service Meeting be held within the next week to review a couple contacts
· The Code Red contract is coming up July 1st. He will make a recommendation to renegotiate the contract to a three year contract.
· The contract for the AT&T Centrex lines for the City is up July 1st. They are in the process of renegotiating that contract. This has been discussed with Fire Chief Turner and Finance Director Ianiro.
Service Director's Report: Service Director Evans reported
· Brush Collection Program. The brush collection program officially ended on June 11th with close to 1000 stops. They still have some folks straggling along and they are doing the best they can to service them and are trying not to turn anybody away. That program went very well as indicated by the large pile of wood chips in the city park.
· Crack Sealing Program. This program is winding down. They crack sealed more than 7 miles of roadway. That program was successful as well.
· Bishop Road Lateral Sewer Repair. The County Sanitary Engineer has hired a contractor to do a sewer lateral repair on Bishop Road about 500 feet south of Highland Road. Work was tentatively scheduled to begin tomorrow; it now has been delayed until at least Monday, June 28th. That work is probably going to take between 6 and 10 days to complete. The contractor will be crossing the entire width of the right-of-way on Bishop Road. The contractor has made arrangements with the Police Department to use our police force for flagging traffic so that traffic can be maintained at all times. The roadway will be plated in the evening so they will have normal two-way traffic over night.
· Agenda Item No. 1 is the award for street striping and Agenda Item No. 3 is the award for some body equipment for a truck they are building. Both are on the agenda for first reading.
· Former Church Property Sign. Last fall Council agreed that the sign in front of the former church did not have any value and that St. Paschal’s was welcome to the sign. They removed the sign this week. Then the Service Department leveled the ground.
In response to Mrs. Murphy’s inquiry regarding the sewer work on Bishop Road, Mr. Evans reported the County has had problems with the lateral to this particular home for some time now. The sewer is on the east side of Bishop Road; for the homes on the west side; the sewer laterals were bored underneath the road. This particular one is in very close proximity to a fire hydrant so the contractor put a couple turns in it to get around the fire hydrant. It has been problematic for the County and for that resident from time to time. The County felt the best thing to do was come in and replace the lateral. Mr. Evans advised the County will be responsible for all pavement repairs.
Mr. Mills advised that a couple people have called to say the grass on the corner lots did not take well around the new curbing on Ridgebury and Wilson Mills. Mr. Evans suggested their calls be directed to the Service Department and they will do the best they can to address that. Both of these projects have been closed out. He advised the Service Department has also been doing restoration from the sidewalk snow plow program.
Building Commissioner’s Report: Building Commissioner Grabfelder reported
· Agenda Item No. 2, award of a contract for the sidewalk repair program. The Engineer’s office and the Building Department request suspension of the second and third readings and approval of that contract tonight so they can get the program on track. They would like to start around July 12th and hopefully finish around the beginning of school.
· Commercial "For Sale" and "For Rent" Signs. P&Z has been working on an ordinance regulating commercial “for sale” and “for rent” signs. A draft of the ordinance has been submitted to Council for their consideration.
· Property Maintenance Ordinances. Three sections of the code are used for sending notices for property maintenance, high grass and weeds, and sidewalk repair. This has been discussed with Law Director Paluf. Council is asked to set this for discussion in more detail.
In response to Mr. Mills’ inquiry regarding cleanup on Glasgow, Mr. Grabfelder reported they are working on it; they have a few of the lots done; and, are now tracking a couple owners.
City Engineer's Report: City Engineer Hovancsek reported:
· 2010 Street Repair Contract. The contractor working on Millridge Road mistakenly did not stop at the school with the gutter grinding but completed the entire roadway on Millridge. This forced the entire roadway to be overlaid with asphalt. The City Engineer’s office informed the contractor that all asphalt and grinding items in excess of the contract will be 100% contractor’s cost. There will be no cost to the City of Highland Heights.
· Brainard Road traffic is one-way southbound. The existing northbound lanes have been completed and they will be starting to perform repairs on the southbound lanes this week.
· 2010 Sidewalk Repair Program. The low bidder is Alba Contractors. The City Engineer recommends that the contract be awarded to Alba Contractors as the low bidder.
· 2010 Street Striping Project. The street striping bids were opened Friday, June 18th. The low bidder was Pat Flowers, Inc. The City Engineer recommends that a contract be awarded to the low bidder, Pat Flowers, Inc.
· Jefferson Drive I&I Project. The County Sanitary Engineer’s office is working on the plans and specifications and is looking for an August - September timetable for bidding. The issue of rights-of-entry and securing them will be delayed until more information is received. Then they will be able to discuss it in-house and set up a meeting with the County and with the residents.
Mrs. Murphy suggested the Law Director be involved in the Millridge Road project to make sure all expenses that occurred are paid.
Mrs. Murphy inquired about a letter received regarding a notice of spalling on the sidewalk of the pedestrian path. Mr. Hovancsek reported they have contacted Agresta Construction who has agreed to come back and replace the sidewalk. Mrs. Murphy suggested the entire sidewalk be inspected for spalling.
Mrs. Murphy noted the Engineer’s Office has the close out for the Highland-Bishop Intersection Project’s required repairs. She noted that it looks pretty thorough; there is going to be some work done now; they will file a 5 year maintenance bond; they will watch certain aprons that have hair line cracks; and, Mr. Hovancsek’s office will evaluate those on an annual basis. Mrs. Murphy asked how many aprons are affected. Mr. Hovancsek advised two aprons and two property owners. Mrs. Murphy asked that Mr. Hovancsek keep Council informed.
Mr. Mills commented that Mr. Hovancsek is the City Engineer but documents from his office are signed by Engineer Brian Mader. Mr. Hovancsek advised he is overseeing all the work and checking it also.
Finance Director's Report: Finance Director Ianiro reported a couple brief items.
· Item No. 4 on the agenda -- quarterly payments to the Police and Fire Pension Funds. They only transfer what is needed so as not to over fund these two funds. Because these amounts are due by the end of the month, Council was requested to suspend the second and third readings.
· Estate Tax Revenue. $250,000 was budgeted this year for estate tax revenues and that goes into the 401 Capital Improvements Fund. $247,000 has been collected so far and in addition, the County has waiting for distribution to Highland Heights, $234,000. That will come in late third quarter or beginning fourth quarter.
·
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Safety & Service Committee: Mr. Legan called a Safety & Service Meeting for one hour before the July 6th Committee of the Whole.
Mayfield Area Recreation Council (MARC): No report.
Community Day: Miss Stickan reported Chairman Brunello is here tonight. He has met with the Community Day Committee. The goal is to spread the word and to make sure the community is aware of the August 7th event. Additionally Chairman Brunello did a good job in taking the pulse of the community to find out what kind of event and what kind of direction they want to take. The overwhelming response has been for a fireworks display. As many people know with the economy being what it is a lot of cities have had to cut. So we are lucky that Highland Heights will move forward with fireworks as part of the Community Day. Additionally, Mr. Brunello has done a great job of booking quality acts and in making sure the entertainment is geared toward all age ranges. So it should be a quality day.
Mr. Mills asked that Council be advised when the committee meets in case other volunteers want to attend.
Drainage Committee: Mrs. Murphy asked Council to set on the agenda in the next Committee of the Whole a discussion on the Basin Inspection Report prepared by the City Engineer last fall. The committee determined it would be very beneficial to notify basin owners of the findings of the inspection and to make certain recommendations to those basin owners. Mr. Grabfelder has prepared a sample letter that he would like to send to the basin owners along with a check list that will be prepared by the City Engineer’s office.
This subject was set for discussion in a Committee of the Whole Meeting, July 6th.
Park and Recreation Commission: No report. Mrs. Murphy noted that Recreation Director David Ianiro gave a very thorough report this evening.
Legislative & Finance Committee: Mr. Lombardo reported a meeting was held this evening to review the budget in light of the salary negotiations. It looks like they are talking $110,000 to $120,000 additional expenses going into the budget which right now would just about wipe out the general fund surplus. The good news is what Mr. Ianiro reported and that is extra estate tax is coming in. Also there is a slight increase in the income tax over last year by one-half percent to date. Mr. Lombardo set another meeting for July 13th to discuss audit recommendations and findings and the commercial sign ordinance. Mr. Lombardo asked Law Director Paluf to review the proposed changes and provide his comments on it.
Hillcrest Council of Councils: Mr. Hargate reported he is working on a meeting for early September and will have more details later.
Planning and Zoning Commission: Mr. Mastrangelo reported a meeting was held June 14th. They had three issues:
· Peter & Josephine Cipriani’s, 322-A West Legend Court. A variance for a deck was requested to allow an above-ground deck on the back of their home. The deck would encroach into the 25 foot setback of the golf course. All approvals were received from Miner Properties, the Golf Course as well as the City.
· Naya Bistro & Lounge, 6323 Wilson Mills Road. Request is for a variance to serve liquor on a proposed re-designed outdoor patio. Conditional approval was given based on their redrawing plans and receiving approval from the Fire Department.
· Leonard S. Jacobs, 5415 Wilson Mills Road. Request is for a variance to the Side Yard Setback Requirements for a proposed deck on the front of their house. It is a house that was sort of wedged in on the NW corner of Franklin and Wilson Mills. They have no back yard and the only place they can re-do anything is on the front.
· Commercial Sign Ordinance. The Commission has been working to provide an ordinance regulating commercial “for sale” and “for rent” signs. Mr. Mastrangelo also asked Law Director Paluf to look at the requirements in HHCO 1124 regulations for Recreation and Residential Development District. He advised there are different documents that govern the golf course.
Law Director Paluf advised those documents should have been given to the homeowner as part of their package when they bought their home.
Commission on Aging: Mr. Mills reported a meeting was held Monday. June 21st. Three major topics were discussed. Summer picnic in September; Senior Bingo at Community Day; and, a card party in September for the Tri-City Consortium on Aging. Donations of door prizes for the card party would be greatly appreciated. The Commission will not meet in July and August unless necessary.
Law Director's Report: No report.
Mrs. Murphy asked if the asbestos contract was signed. Mr. Mills reported he has a copy of the signed contract. Mrs. Murphy then advised she heard that Millridge School was no longer to be used as a voting location in our city. Law Director Paluf advised he was not aware of that.
MAYOR'S REPORT: No report.
Council President’s Report: Mr. Mills reported the contract for the asbestos report was signed by the Mayor, on June 16th. He asked Mr. Grabfelder if they contacted him to get into the building. Mr. Grabfelder reported they have and it probably will be next week some time.
Mr. Mills reminded everyone that tomorrow is the deadline for articles for the Highlights. He asked that Council members email him their topics to avoid duplication.
Mr. Mills reported, regarding the ethics investigation, that packet will be going out by the end of the week. He has to meet with Mr. Ianiro regarding a couple things and then that packet will go to Columbus.
ITEMS TO BE ADDED TO THE AGENDA: No items were added.
MEETING OPENED TO THE PUBLIC: No one spoke.
NEW BUSINESS:
FIRST READING PROPOSED RESOLUTION 26-2010: Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 26-2010 which description is: “A Resolution declaring Pat Flowers, Inc. to be the lowest and best bidder for the Striping of Certain Streets within the municipality, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with said bidder not to exceed the sum of Thirty Three Thousand Two Hundred Thirty Dollars and Fifty Centers ($33,230.50) rejecting all other bids received and declaring an emergency.”
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 27-2010: Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 27-2010 which description is: “A Resolution declaring Alba Contractors, Inc. as the lowest and best bidder for the 2010 Sidewalk Repair Program, authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with said bidder, rejecting all other bids received, and declaring an emergency.” Service Director Evans and City Engineer Hovancsek recommended approval this evening. Miss Stickan moved to suspend the second and third readings; seconded by Mr. Lombardo. Ayes all; motion carried. Miss Stickan moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Mastrangelo.
FIRST READING PROPOSED RESOLUTION 28-2010: Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 28-2010 which description is: “A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract with Concord Road Equipment Mfg., Inc. for the purchase of body equipment including removing and remounting of a dump truck bed new central hydraulic system minuteman snow and ice package and lighting package complete in an amount not to exceed Thirty Four Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty Five Dollars and Eighty Five Cents ($34,835.85), pursuant to the Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Act, and declaring an emergency.”
ENACTMENT OF ORDINANCE 9-2010: Council listened to the First Reading in title only of Proposed Ordinance 9-2010 which description is: “A Resolution authorizing Transfers and declaring an emergency. (General Fund to Police and Fire Pension Fund.) Finance Director Ianiro recommended approval this evening. Mr. Hargate moved to suspend the Second and Third Readings; seconded by Mr. Lombardo. Ayes all; motion carried. Mr. Legan moved to enact; seconded by Mr. Lombardo. Ayes all; motion carried.
SECOND READING PROPOSED ORDINANCE 8-2010: Council listened to the Second Reading in title only of proposed Ordinance 8-2010 which description is: “An Ordinance adopting a Tax Budget for the City of Highland Heights for the Year 2011 and declaring an emergency.”
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 23-2010: Council listened to the Third Reading in title only of Proposed Resolution 23-2010 which description is: “A Resolution authorizing the purchase of Morning Pride, (Manufacturer) Fire Fighter Protective Clothing from Warren Fire Equipment, Inc. (authorized dealer), in an amount not to exceed Thirty Two Thousand Dollars ($32,000.00). pursuant to the Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Act, and declaring an emergency.” Miss Stickan moved to adopt; seconded by Mr. Hargate. Ayes all; motion carried.
MEETING SCHEDULE: JULY 6, 2010 7:00 PM Safety & Service Committee
8:00 PM Committee of the Whole
JULY 13, 2010 7:30 PM Legislative & Finance Committee
8:00 PM Regular Meeting
ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Mr. Mastrangelo and seconded by Miss. Stickan to adjourn the meeting. Said meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Clerk of Council President of Council